Wednesday, June 30, 2010

2nd Annual Photo Contest of the National Eating Disorders Association.

The theme for the photo contest is the NEDA 2010 Conference Theme: "Building Bridges to Recovery."

Rules, submission forms and more information here: http://www.facebook.com/l/bdffd7ED5N3b0o_WifcnVT4xZQg;www.myneda.org/uploads/photo_contest_2010%20PDF.pdf

Deadline: July 30th.
If you are chosen as the winner of this contest, your photo may be used to promote our conference, it will be prominently displayed at the conference and you will be entered in a lottery to win cool NEDA Gear, including a NEDA T-shirt, water bottle, and more!

Thank you for your help in “Building Bridges to Recovery!”

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Do Good and Strengthen Your Eating Disorder Recovery

Do Good - Gemeinschaftsgefuhl (German word that translates to "community feeling" in English)

~ SERVING OTHERS ~

"It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life, that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Give! Get out of yourself ~ Use your talents and gifts to help others and contribute to the world!

"The German word Gemeinschaftsgefuhl means feeling of community, of belonging. It means having to work at something that transcends not only one's own person, but also the small group to which one belongs. It transcends the family, one's church affiliation, one's race. It has to do with melting into or relating oneself to the community of man, or as people often name it more poetically, the brotherhood of man." (From "The Collected Works of Lydia Sicher: An Adlerian Perspective," edited by Adele Davidson.)

"As a therapist, founder of the Eating Disorder Hope organization and recovering eating disorder sufferer, I can say that I have learned one thing about eating disorder recovery, and it is that the eating disorder sufferer must embrace their unique self and God given gifts and talents. There is a strong correlation between using one's gifts to help others, the community and the world and one's recovery. Remember, the world needs you! " ~ Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC

Check out a list of great charities and ways to contribute to the well being of others, animals and our planet!

Eating Disorders Coalition Call For Action

TIME SENSITIVE Action Alert! Ask Michelle Obama to address eating disorders!

Posted: 29 Jun 2010 07:06 AM PDT

TIME SENSITIVE Action Alert! Ask Michelle Obama to address eating disorders!

The Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) is working with Congressman Alcee Hastings, who cares about eating disorders and is asking Michelle Obama to expand her Childhood Obesity Initiative so that it also addresses eating disorders. Congressman Hastings has written the below letter to the First Lady and is looking for additional Members of Congress to join him in taking a stand for eating disorders by signing onto this letter.

This is where you come in!

We ask that you call your Representative in the House and ask her/him to sign onto this letter. Deadline for signing on is close of business Thursday, July 1st.

This is important. We have an opportunity to influence Michelle Obama's initiative so that it is more comprehensive and addresses the spectrum of eating disorders as well as obesity.

If you do one thing today - have it be this. Contact your Representative now.

Here's how:

1) Who is my Representative? If you don't know who your representative is
- go to www.house.gov
- put your 9 digit zip code into the box in upper left corner
- This will take you to your Representative

2) Calling your Rep
- Call 202-224-3121 which is the Capitol Switchboard and ask for your Rep's office. They will connect you

3) The MESSAGE

Tell the person answering that you are a constituent of Congressman/woman XX and that you would like him/her to sign onto Alcee Hastings letter that urges Michelle Obama to incorporate eating disorders into her childhood obesity campaign. The deadline for signing onto the letter is July 1st.

The receptionist may transfer you to the health legislative assistant who is in charge of this issue. You then repeat your message. You can get this person's email address and send the letter below.

More message:

Everyday people are dying of eating disorders yet this reality remains unrecognized and hidden. When there is such a focus on weight as is the case in the First Lady's initiative - this invariably results in some people using risky weight loss methods, the increase of weight-related stigma and bullying, and developing eating disorders. Unless Michelle Obama overtly includes a discussion of eating disorders in her efforts there is the unintended possibility that her campaign will do harm. If your boss adds his/her name to this letter it will help influence the First Lady's Initiative so that it is comprehensive and promotes health for all children.

If the office wants to sign on to this letter, they should contact Amye Greene at 5-1313 or amye.greene@mail.house.gov. This is for Members of Congress and their staff ONLY - please do not contact Amye as an advocate. If advocates have questions please contact Jeanine at the EDC at jeaninecogan@starpower.net.

The Sign-On Letter:


DISCUSSION DRAFT

June 28, 2010

The First Lady of the United States
The White House
441 G Street, NW
Washington, DC 20500

Dear First Lady Michelle Obama,

Thank you for championing the health and welfare of our nation’s children through the Let’s Move Campaign. Let’s Move has brought historic attention to the importance of addressing one the most serious public health concerns of today. However, we believe that broadening Let’s Move’s focus to include information about eating disorders would enhance the campaign’s mission to improve the mental and physical health of all children.

We understand that obesity and eating disorders have distinct health impacts, and believe that the prevalence of these disorders indicates the need for comprehensive and well-coordinated interventions that support healthier habits and environments. Like obesity, unhealthy weight loss measures, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating and eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS) have increased significantly over the past few decades. In fact, more than 11 million men, women and children suffer from an eating disorder in the United States.

In a speech that publicly introduced the Let’s Move Campaign, you stated that unhealthy diets and habits can negatively influence physical, emotional and educational development and well-being. Eating disorders are no exception. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that undernourishment impacts a student’s ability to excel academically, and suicide, anxiety and depression are more common in people with eating disorders. Eating disorders also have the highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses, and can result in long-term health issues including heart and kidney failure, cognitive impairment, muscle atrophy and sudden death.

Like obesity, eating disorders afflict children of different ages, genders, economic backgrounds, and ethnicities. At least 30-40 percent of junior high students have reported dieting, over half of high-school girls have reported dieting, and 25 percent of bulimia and anorexia cases are men. What’s more, student athletes can be especially vulnerable to eating disorders because some adopt unhealthy dietary restrictions and weight loss methods to achieve or maintain a certain weight for competition. Many obese individuals resort to unhealthy weight loss tactics and may develop eating disorders in an attempt to achieve a desired weight or body image.

Strong environmental, cultural, social factors have contributed to the high rates of obesity and eating disorders in the United States. Stigma, blame and misinformation often accompany these conditions. Coordinated efforts among educators, elected officials, parents, community leaders and young people are crucial to executing sustainable solutions to these public health problems. We believe that Let’s Move Campaign’s mission is compatible with messages and interventions that are designed to address eating disorders. Educators could incorporate information about unhealthy dieting when providing information about healthy food choices. Speeches and parental toolkits could include information about risks, signs and support networks for eating disorders. And, the Let’s Move Web site could include a link to the Office of Women’s Health Web site which has comprehensive and evidence based information on eating disorders.

The unprecedented leadership in the battle against obesity through the Let’s Move Campaign shows your commitment to creatively and aggressively improving the health of children, families and communities. We hope that you will take our suggestions into consideration so that the Let’s Move Campaign can take a more holistic approach to addressing the full spectrum of behaviors that are compromising the health of America’s children.

Sincerely,

Alcee L. Hastings
Member of Congress
_________________________


If the office has any questions or wants to sign on to this letter, they should contact Amye Greene at 5-1313 or amye.greene@mail.house.gov.

Thank you for adding your voice to this effort. Every call makes a difference!

From the Hill,

Jeanine Cogan, Ph.D., Policy Director
Eating Disorders Coalition
www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org
202-352-3208

Monday, June 28, 2010

Exercise addiction related to eating disorders?

Eating Disorders and Exercise


You can hardly turn on a television these days without seeing a segment on obesity in the United States. Obesity is at an all-time high, and most shocking of all, this condition is rampant in our children. This is due to a combination of a poor diet and sedentary lifestyle. So...how could exercise be a bad thing?

It’s important to keep in mind that anything, even exercise, can be harmful when it becomes an addiction...finish reading about exercise and eating disorders and find resources, information and recovery hope at: http://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/treatment-exercise.html

Friday, June 25, 2010

If not dieting® Health Professional 2-day Training Program in Australia

The Person Centred Approach to Healthy Weight Management:
helping people achieve and maintain a healthy weight

Presented by Dr Rick Kausman of www.ifnotdieting.com

About Dr Rick Kausman
Dr Rick Kausman is a medical doctor who is recognised as the Australian pioneer of the person centred approach to healthy weight management. Rick has written two books including the award-winning ‘If Not Dieting, Then What?’, he is the creator of a number of other resources, and has had several articles on healthy weight management published in peer-reviewed
journals. Dr Rick has been the Chairperson of Body Image and Health Inc. for 3 years, and a board member for 12, and an Executive Council member of the Australasian Society for the Study of Obesity for 9 years. He is currently a Fellow of the Australian College of Psychological Medicine, a Lifelong Fellow of the Obesity Prevention and Treatment Society, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Butterfly Foundation, and an honorary lecturer at Monash University, Department of Medicine and Deakin University, Department of Dietetics. More information about Dr Rick can be found at his web site, www.ifnotdieting.com

The Training Program
The If not dieting health professional training program assists Doctors, Nurses, Dietitians, Psychologists, Social Workers, and other Allied Health Professionals, to effectively help patients achieve and maintain a healthy weight.Not only does this exciting workshop draw from the most current world research in the field of weight management and eating behaviour, but incorporates Dr Rick Kausman’s 20 years of practical and unique experience in this field, and importantly, from the experiences of thousands of his patients. The content of the training program also has
input from other members of the ‘If not dieting’ team including psychologists, dietitians, a social worker, nurse and physiotherapist.

The training program is full of practical information, delivered through a mixture of formats including a number of eating awareness activities. There will be plenty of time for discussion, and importantly, many patient quotes and stories to help participants to get a strong sense of how our patients and clients are feeling about this health issue, in order to support them make long term sustainable change. Each participant will also receive the 2010 ifnotdieting training manual containing important references and copies of key journal articles.

Accreditations and Endorsements
This 2-day training program is accredited by:
• The Royal Australian College of General Practice (RACGP): Active Learning Module, 40
Category 1 points.
• The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM): National, 12 PDP.
• Kinect Australia – 3 Professional Development Points
A certificate of attendance will be provided so practitioners can apply for CPE points from other relevant professional bodies.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Support the National Eating Disorders Association's NYC Walk

Find a way to do your part

Help Fight Eating Disorders: Donate, Volunteer, Take Action!

Featured Events

NYC NEDA Walk - October 3, 2010

Riverside Park, NYC
Registration starts at 10 am; Walk starts at 11 am.
Donate, start your own team or register to walk here!
Become a Sponsor or Exhibitor at the NYC Walk!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Press Release: Best-Selling Author Jenni Schaefer presents a FREE teleconference for Houston’s own MentorCONNECT

June 23, 2010

For Immediate release

Contact: Shannon Cutts, MentorCONNECT Director

Phone: 713-382-4272

Email: mc@mentorconnect-ed.org

www.mentorconnect-ed.org

Attention: Feature and Event Desks: Best-Selling Author Jenni Schaefer presents a FREE teleconference for Houston’s own MentorCONNECT

June 23, 2010, HOUSTON, TX – Jenni Schaefer, McGraw-Hill popular best-selling author of “Life Without Ed” and “Goodbye Ed, Hello Me”, will present a FREE teleconference on Wednesday, July 7th, 2010, at 8pm central time. All are welcome to attend. RSVP’s are required.

This event is sponsored by Houston’s own MentorCONNECT, the first global eating disorders mentoring organization. Based in Houston since its inception in September 2007, MentorCONNECT now has a presence in all 50 USA states as well as 15 countries, and has sponsored free events featuring such notable authors and speakers as Thom Rutledge, Kirsten Haglund, Dr. Carolyn Becker, Dr. Kenneth Weiner, June Alexander, Michelle Lelwica, Doris Smeltzer, and others.

Event Details:

To Register: Send an email with “RSVP for Jenni” to mc@mentorconnect-ed.org

RSVP Deadline: July 7th, 2010 at noon

For More Info: www.mentorconnect-ed.org

More About MentorCONNECT:

MentorCONNECT is the first global online eating disorders mentoring community. Membership and all services are always free to members, and certain events like the popular monthly teleconference series are also opened up free of charge to the larger community. In addition to offering one-on-one mentoring matches, membership includes access to a password-protected, moderated, PRO-recovery community forum with two live weekly e-support groups, a wide variety of online themed support groups, recovery blogs, personalized profile pages, and moderated chat/email services. To volunteer your services as a caring mentor, be matched with a mentor, or find general support, visit us at www.mentorconnect-ed.org

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Pro Ana Versus Pro Recovery Sites: New Study by Johns Hopkins and Stanford University raises concerns.


Press Release

Pro Ana websites are popular, enticing and potentially deadly to young women. They promote thinness at all costs and often disregard health, well being and common sense. The June 17th issue of American Journal of Public Health published a recent study of Pro Ana websites. This innovative study conducted by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Stanford University School of Medicine, has raised questions about how we can meet the needs of these Pro Ana website visitors in healthier ways. It is important that Pro Recovery sites are supported and promoted by leaders and those influential to young woman. Professors, Teachers, Coaches, Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Parents and Therapists all can help offset the pro ana movement by supporting organizations that emphasize health and self esteem over thinness. It may save a life.

(PRWEB) June 22, 2010 -- A recent study of Pro Ana websites, published in the June 17th issue of American Journal of Public Health, shed some light on why young women are drawn to these sites and what they find there. This illuminating study has created a flurry of discussion and concern in the public.

Pro Ana websites are prolific across the internet. These sites provide tips, advice and encouragement to women on how to become thinner, emaciated or practice anorexia nervosa. Dramatic calorie restriction, fasting, excessive exercise, purging, laxatives and other unhealthy behaviors are often glorified as a magic key to achieving the media glorified waif look that has so deeply influenced women today. Eating disorder treatment is not advised or suggested. Thus, in most cases, these Pro Anorexia websites are promoting a deadly lifestyle and self destruction.

"These Pro Ana sites provide a sense of camaraderie and collaboration among the website visitors. These sites also can create a sense of pursuing a more perfect version of the self, or at least the body" commented Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC, and Director of Eating Disorder Hope. Sadly, the Pro Ana sites are focused on thinness as a status symbol and promise increased confidence and power in the world if one can just become thin enough.

Fortunately, there are Pro Recovery sites that refute these claims and encourage visitors to find a sense of inner value, self esteem and worth in the content of the character - rather than the external image of the individual. Sites such as Eating Disorder Hope promote healthy self care, embracing life and pursuing recovery. This site's mission is to foster appreciation of one's uniqueness and value in the world, unrelated to appearance, achievement or applause.

Eating Disorder Hope and other recovery websites, provide treatment resources such as a Treatment Directory and a Specialist Library (http://eatingdisorderhope.com/eating-disorder-specialist-library.html). These provide sufferers from anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder and compulsive overeating with contacts to professionals who can treat the destructive condition and the underlying issues that led to this maladaptive behavior.

Recovery Tools (http://eatingdisorderhope.com/eating-disorder-recovery-tools.html) are provided and explained to offer practical suggestions for developing a healthier lifestyle and self esteem. Tools are given, such as nutrition tips, mindfulness skills, spirituality, improving rational thinking, body image improvement advice and relapse prevention techniques.

Resources are also provided that direct the individual to articles on recovery, inspirational real stories of recovered women, pro recovery newsletters and blogs, support groups, and excellent non profit organizations that support eating disorder awareness and prevention.

If you know of a woman suffering from anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder or seemingly becoming far too preoccupied with weight, eating and diet - Please, seek help for them. A good starting point may be to refer them to a resource such as Eating Disorder Hope where they can find eating disorder treatment referrals, recovery tips and resources, and most of all, inspiration to choose a full and meaningful life over the empty existence of anorexia and other related conditions.

Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC is Director and Founder of Eating Disorder Hope. http://www.eatingdisorderhope.com Eating Disorder Hope is the one stop eating disorder treatment, resource and information site. Eating Disorder Hope promotes ending eating disordered behavior, embracing life and pursuing recovery through implementing the best eating disorder treatment available for the individual with anorexia, bulimia or binge-eating disorder.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Press Release: Anorexia Treatment and Recovery Journey Detailed in New Book



FOR DISTRIBUTION
Media Contacts: Danielle Bickelmann & Susie Lomelino
Michael Burns & Associates
214-521-8596
dbickelmann@mbapr.com
slomelino@mbapr.com

Anorexia Treatment and Recovery Journey Detailed in New Book
Timberline Knolls Staff Member Describes Impact on Faith, Family


CHICAGO (June 16, 2010) –Women and families struggling with an eating disorder or another addiction should never lose sight of the need to sustain the spirit, according to a new book by Jena Morrow, an author in recovery after more than 20 years with anorexia nervosa. Morrow, a behavioral health specialist at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, details a battle with anorexia that begins in early childhood in Hollow: An Unpolished Tale, recently released by Moody Publishers.

Morrow, who is also a Christian musician, emphasizes the role that her faith played in sustaining her through periods when she resisted recovery, and even planned to relapse following inpatient anorexia nervosa treatment.

“Jena’s story of spiritual awareness through the various stages of her battle with anorexia gives hope to all of us who work every day to help women and families through the most difficult stages of anorexia treatment,” said Kimberly Dennis, MD, medical director at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center. “Like other eating disorders and addictions, anorexia nervosa not only erodes a woman’s body, but also at its root damages her ability to draw spiritual strength from a Loving Higher Power. Telling her story publicly is a crucial step in Jena’s own recovery, and has the potential to help untold others recognize that the joy of life in recovery is as fulfilling as it is uncertain.”

Hollow’s message is important for Christians and non-Christians alike. Whether one is unaware of eating disorders, currently struggling with anorexia or bulimia, or supporting a loved one with an eating disorder or co-occurring disorder, Hollow provides potentially life-saving insight.

Important themes in Hollow include:

Eating disorders can appear in early childhood. At times, lots of media attention is given to signs and symptoms of eating disorders in teens and adult women. Jena’s detailed account of her early childhood memories can help parents, doctors and clinicians to frame indicators of body image distortion even in pre-school age girls.

Inpatient and residential treatment can be life-saving, especially when the patient isn’t fully committed to recovery. The 7 months she spent at a residential anorexia treatment center ultimately helped save Jena’s life. Even though she wasn’t fully committed to stopping anorexic behaviors, residential treatment bought Jena time to sustain herself physically and spiritually. It did this by providing:

• Medical care, which also improved her cognitive function
• Support to mend relationships with her family
• Lifelong friends with a common experience in treatment.

Eating disorders are chronic, addictive diseases. The addiction that Jena felt to starving herself is no different than the compulsion felt by men and women who abuse drugs, alcohol or prescription medications. The physiological side effects of anorexia nervosa can also produce a “starvation high” marked by manic energy and thinking, and a sense of invincibility. As with chemical dependency, with the right type of treatment, symptoms of anorexia and other eating disorders can be addressed, managed, and eventually remitted.

“We’re delighted to have Jena as a member of our team, and we’re very proud of her decision to share her story publicly,” said James Gresham, Chairman and CEO of Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center. “Like the paths walked by other recovering members of our staff, Jena’s recovery journey can serve as an inspiration to all of the women and girls at Timberline Knolls, whether they’re seeking to overcome anorexia, bulimia, or another addiction, compulsion or mood disorder. She is living proof that while recovery is not easy, it is a choice worth making.”


Dr. Kimberly Dennis and Jena Morrow are available for interview and comment. Please contact Michael Burns and Associates.

Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center will be sponsoring a series of events around the country where Ms. Morrow will share her story. The first three events, co-sponsored with the Meier Clinics, will take place this summer in Dallas, Seattle and Virginia.

About Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center

Timberline Knolls is one of the leading private residential treatment centers for eating disorders, substance abuse, trauma, and severe depression, with or without a co-occurring disorder or addiction. Expert treatment staff offers a nurturing environment of recovery for women and girls (ages 12 and older) on a 43-acre campus in suburban Chicago. Women and families seeking Christian treatment have the option of working with a dedicated Christian therapist. For more information on Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, call us at 877.257.9611.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Great article for you to use on Eating Disorder Recovery and Overcoming Negative Thoughts


Help Eating Disorder Hope spread eating disorder recovery inspiration!

Free article for your website, blog, newsletter, facebook, myspace, xanga, etc.

This article contains great ideas for overcoming obsessive, negative thoughts that are often a hallmark of eating disorders. Please share this with others on your website, blog or in your newsletter.

Get your copy of Eating Disorder Recovery and Overcoming Negative Thoughts now

Sunday, June 13, 2010

June 13th, 2010 Eating Disorder Hope Newsletter

~Contents~

News, Events, Articles, Treatment Center Information, Research, Announcements and Top 10 Tips for Eating Disorder Recovery endorsement program.



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Rader Programs
The treatment staff at Rader Programs has been providing high-quality clinical programs for over 20 years. We specialize in the treatment of eating and related disorders. It is our mission to help save the lives of those suffering from eating disorders. The primary purpose of Rader Programs is to treat the dysfunctional behavior in a supportive environment.

A staff of caring and experienced professionals, many who are recovering themselves, assist the affected individual and their family in developing a life long program for recovery. We recognize the complexity of the disorder and understand the medical, psychological, physical, and nutritional aspects of eating disorders. Our treatment approach is centered around the special needs of each individual and we are completely committed to help individuals achieve recovery.

View Rader Programs in the Eating Disorder Specialist Library at:
www.eatingdisorderhope.com/eating-disorder-specialist-rader-programs

***Generous Partnering Platinum Sponsor of Eating Disorder Hope ~ Making our Work Possible!

Rader Programs


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Timberline Knolls ~ Our new 2010 Platinum Sponsor!
Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center provides eating disorder treatment for women on 43 beautiful acres just outside of Chicago. We offer a nurturing environment of recovery for women ages 12 and older struggling to overcome eating disorders, with or without other co-occurring disorders such as substance abuse/drug addiction, mood disorders or anxiety disorders.

A leader in eating disorder treatment, Timberline Knolls provides real and lasting help for anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorders. Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center has helped hundreds of women and their families achieve long-term recovery, including many who have suffered repeated relapses because of previously unidentified or under-addressed co-occurring disorders.

Timberline Knolls recognizes that each woman has a unique story, and we are committed to helping her harness her own distinctive strengths. Our expert treatment staff forms a collaborative partnership with the resident, her loved ones and outpatient treatment providers. Together, we craft an individualized eating disorder treatment plan for each woman so she may develop the skills she will need to experience the joys of lifelong recovery.

View Timberline Knolls in the Eating Disorder Specialist Library at:
www.eatingdisorderhope.com/eating-disorder-specialist-timberline-knolls-residential-treatment-center.html

***Generous Platinum Sponsor of Eating Disorder Hope ~ Making our Work Possible!

Timberline Knolls


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Eating Disorder Services of Rogers Memorial Hospital
As the largest nonaffiliated, behavioral health provider in Wisconsin, Rogers Memorial Hospital offers specialized eating disorder treatment. Rogers Memorial provides 24-hour inpatient care, residential treatment and partial hospitalization for men, women, adolescents, and children. We also offer specialized care for co-occurring anxiety disorders and were the first organization to offer a male-specific residential program. Treatment is comprised of small, age-specific groups yielding the most individualized treatment possible. The treatment team uses a number of therapies that take place mostly in a group setting, where individuals get feedback not only from the therapist but from their peers as well. Rogers Memorial uses evidence-based treatment components including: Family therapy,Nutrition therapy, Cognitive-behavioral therapy, Pharmacotherapy, Art therapy, Movement and fitness therapy (yoga), Experiential therapy, Substance abuse counseling, Spiritual counseling, One-to-one support, Daily living responsibilities, Community outings and therapeutic passes and a Specialized family and friends program.

Rogers Memorial Hospital has treated thousands of patients and families affected by eating disorders. The staff of over 70 professionals, approach each patient, family, and referring outpatient treatment team with dignity and respect, and invite them to be contributors to the treatment plan. Rogers Memorial is a specialty not-for-profit hospital that has contracts with most major insurance providers in order to provide the best treatment options to the most people. In January 2009, Rogers opened a specialized inpatient eating disorder program for children and adolescents, ages 8 and up. Call Rogers Memorial outreach staff today at 1-800-767-4411 ext. 1310. to learn more or to schedule a tour.

View Rogers Memorial in the Eating Disorder Specialist Library at:
www.eatingdisorderhope.com/eating-disorder-specialist-rogers-memorial-hospital.html

***Generous Platinum Sponsor of Eating Disorder Hope ~ Making our Work Possible!
Rogers Memorial Hospital


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Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating Disorder and Anxiety Disorders
Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders
1-800-445-1900
One East Apache Street,
Wickenburg, AZ 85390
www.remudaranch.com

Remuda Ranch provides intensive, inpatient and residential treatment for women and girls struggling with anorexia, bulimia and related issues. Each patient receives an individualized treatment plan that is implemented by a multi-disciplinary team of eating disorder professionals. This team includes a psychiatric specialist, a primary care physician, a registered dietitian, a licensed master's or doctoral-level therapist, a psychologist, and registered nurses.

View Remuda Ranch in the Eating Disorder Specialist Library at:
www.eatingdisorderhope.com/eating-disorder-specialist-remuda-ranch

***Generous Platinum Sponsor of Eating Disorder Hope ~ Making our Work Possible!
Remuda Ranch

Eating Disorder Hope proudly announces the renewal of the Remuda Ranch Platinum Sponsorship!

ImageRemuda Ranch has been a generous sponsor of the Eating Disorder Hope site since the early days of the Eating Disorder Hope organization. It is with gratitude that we announce the renewal of their Platinum Sponsorship.

Remuda Ranch provides holistic inpatient treatment for women, adolescents and children struggling with anorexia, bulimia and related issues. By using the highly effective Remuda Model of treatment and 20 years of an established treatment regimen of best practices,this intensive program is designed to eliminate eating disordered behaviors, regain patient health, and get every individual on the road to recovery.

Remuda is a place where eating disorders don't define an individual. The individual defines their treatment. Each program is tailored to meet the needs of the individual patient and their individual needs.

When Remuda first opened its doors in 1990, we understood that complete and lasting eating disorder recovery is never easy. But, it is possible.

Remuda utilizes a holistic approach to care and recovery. Our mind-body-social-spiritual framework of care makes the best use of healing in every aspect of an individual's life. And because our program lasts for 45-60 days, lasting changes are able to take root and thrive.

Because eating disorders often occur with other co-occurring issues such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse or trauma, we accompany group and individual therapy with other innovative treatment approaches.

Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders


Eating Disorder Specialist Library ~ Featuring Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center

Image Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center
~Making a Real-Life Difference for Women and Families~
www.TimberlineKnolls.com

Timberline Knolls is one of the leading residential treatment centers for anorexia nervosa, bulimia, binge eating, and other body image and eating disorders. We specialize in holistic, individualized eating disorder treatment for adult women and adolescent girls (ages 12 and up).
Treatment combines excellence in medical care with awareness that each woman will face unique challenges as she seeks a life without symptoms of her eating disorder.
Our private, wooded 43-acre campus provides a hopeful and nurturing setting for a woman to restore her health, nourish her spirit, and regain confidence that she can enjoy a fulfilling life.

Individualized, Holistic Treatment

Leading eating disorder specialists frequently recommend Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center to their patients who need more intensive medical and clinical support. That’s because they know each woman will get the personal attention she needs to make a real-life difference in her own life.
There are no tracks for eating disorders, substance abuse, or other disorders. It doesn’t matter whether a woman seeks anorexia treatment, bulimia treatment, or recovery from compulsive overeating, orthorexia, or other co-occurring disorders. We don’t just treat her disease; we help her learn to help herself by building strength and confidence from within.

Recognized for Excellence

Dr. Kimberly Dennis Timberline Knolls’ treatment team is headed by Kimberly Dennis, MD, a leading psychiatrist specializing in eating disorders. Dr. Dennis and her colleagues are sought out for their extensive expertise treating women with complex cases of anorexia nervosa, bulimia, substance abuse, and other eating and mood disorders.
Additionally, Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center has been awarded the Gold Seal of Approval by The Joint Commission, the nation’s leading healthcare accrediting organization.

Personalized Family Therapy

Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center approaches family involvement differently than many eating disorder treatment centers. There is no pre-set family week.
Each family is assigned a dedicated family therapist, who will begin working separately with the woman and her loved ones during her first week in treatment. A woman’s family therapist will coordinate with her entire treatment team to arrange campus visits when they can be both clinically beneficial for the resident, and healing for her loved ones.

Hidden Barriers to Recovery?

Our treatment team has a track record of successfully identifying and treating co-occurring disorders, which often lie at the root of repeated relapses for women with anorexia, bulimia and other eating disorders.
This is particularly comforting to the many women who seek treatment at Timberline Knolls after relapsing following past eating disorder treatment. We understand the despair these women and their loved ones are feeling, and commit to making life-long recovery the goal for each of our residents.

The Christian Treatment Path

Our individualized approach allows women the option to customize a Christian treatment program that will reinvigorate their faith while addressing an eating disorder. We have full-time Christian therapists on our staff for women who request one, and also arrange pastoral counselors for women who seek to deepen their understanding of the Bible or Christianity.

Program Highlights
24-hour onsite nursing and medical care
* Expressive therapy, including art in our historic studio
* Equine therapy and pet therapy
* Aftercare planning begins at intake
* Emotion management and behavioral skill development
* State-approved school on-campus, which can support adolescents and college-age women
* Trauma-informed treatment
* Life skills training

Location / Contact Information

Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center is located in suburban Chicago near two major airports that offer direct flights from hundreds of cities daily.
40 Timberline Drive
Lemont, IL, 60439

Our licensed admissions counselors are available to provide women and their loved ones with a free, confidential screening and to help assess their treatment needs. Call us today at: 877.257.9611

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Visit the entire Eating Disorder Hope Specialist Library @ www.eatingdisorderhope.com/eating-disorder-specialist-library.html and learn of eating disorder treatment specialists across the country. Contact info@eatingdisorderhope.com if you would like to be considered for listing in our Eating Disorder Specialist Library and/or other advertising options on the Eating Disorder Hope website.

Visit Timberline Knolls in the Eating Disorder Specialist Library



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News from the Academy of Eating Disorders
AED Credentialing Standards for Eating Disorders Inpatient and Residential Treatment

The Academy for Eating Disorders has now posted the AED Credentialing Standards for Eating Disorders Inpatient/Residential Treatment on the AED Web site. We welcome your comments and feedback.

The AED Credentialing Task Force was formed in response to family member concerns generated at a NEDA annual meeting and a desire to promote basic standards to ensure high quality inpatient and residential treatment for eating disorders. It is a multidisciplinary group of expert clinicians, researchers, and patient/family advocates from AED, IAEDP and NEDA.

These three main organizations, along with many others, including national and international leaders in the eating disorders field and related professions, residential/inpatient treatment program directors, insurers, as well as recovered individuals and family members, have jointly worked to develop standards for inpatient/residential treatment over the past six years.

The AED Credentialing Task Force developed the residential/inpatient treatment standards to: (a) safeguard patients and families who seek eating disorders inpatient and residential treatment; (b) review and improve the quality of care offered by inpatient and residential treatment programs, and (c) provide a quality of care benchmark for third party payers to consider as they collaborate with providers in the development of comprehensive models of care and its reimbursement. The standards of care relate to program a) assessment and treatment planning, b) treatment delivery, c) quality improvement and d) outcome measurement.

We have posted the standards so you can examine them in their most up-to-date form. We are now exploring ways to create an accreditation program and voluntary accreditation process that will ensure quality of care and safeguard patients and families in their pursuit and receipt of this care. If you have any further questions or comments regarding the standards, feel free to contact me at tantillo@rochester.rr.com.

~Mary Tantillo PhD RN CS FAED, Chairperson, AED Credentialing Task Force

Visit http://clixtrac.com/goto/?20578 to read more details about the standards and the Credentialing Task Force.

View the AED Credentialing Standards for Eating Disorders Inpatient/Residential Treatment


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Oliver-Pyatt Treatment Centers
866-511-HEAL (4325)
www.oliverpyattcenters.com

The Oliver-Pyatt Centers’ programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, addressing the core issues driving the eating disorder while providing the tools needed to live a meaningful life, free from food and weight preoccupation.

We believe that one-to-one therapy is the cornerstone of effective eating disorder treatment, and it is the primary reason to choose the Oliver-Pyatt Centers. Each client receives a minimum of six individual therapy sessions per week. Our comprehensive, naturalistic, and highly individualized approach to treatment is provided in an intimate environment with a high staff to client ratio. We have a maximum of ten clients in each of our programs.
Our innovative protocols are grounded in a thorough understanding of eating disorders, incorporating state of the art approaches, outcome data, research, and current medical knowledge, all with the support of our compassionate multi-disciplinary treatment team.

View Oliver-Pyatt Treatment Centers in the Eating Disorder Specialist Library at: http://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/eating-disorder-specialist-oliver-pyatt.html

Oliver-Pyatt Treatment Centers



EVENTS CALENDAR...
June 21-July 29, 2010
Girls in Motion Summer Camps
Girls in Motion has become a part of The Elisa Project. Our summer camps provide girls ages 10-12 yrs old with a unique learning experience. Pre-adolescent girls are paired with trained female mentors for discussion and education about healthy body image, exercise and nutrition. Fun games, learning to make healthy snacks, and physical activity are a part of every day. Visit our website for details on registration and cost. For more details, click here.

June 22, 2010
FREE, annual Dawn Farm Education Series; 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Education Center, 5305 Elliott Drive, Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197.
For information, please contact Matt Statman, Education Series Coordinator, at 734-485-8725 or info@dawnfarm.org, or see http://www.dawnfarm.org/edseries.html.

July 23, 2010
Workshop for Professionals. An Inside Look: Working with the Resistant Eating Disorder Patient and the Pharmacological Treatments for Addictive Disorders
Bethesda, MD
co-hosted by Oliver-Pyatt Centers and Promises Treatment Centers, with presentations from Dr. Wendy Oliver-Pyatt and Dr. David Sack.
Eating disorders and addictive disorders often go hand in hand. This workshop will provide information and guidance on state of the art treatments as well as information on the identification of co-occurring psychiatric disorders. Topics include treatment resistance, FDA approved treatments for drug and alcohol dependency, and a review of novel treatments currently in development. This workshop will equip professionals with the most current approaches on the treatment of these disorders from a medical, psychological, and pharmacological perspective. 4 CEC's. For more information or to register, visit http://workshops.promises.com, or call 866-825-1104.

August 13-14, 2010
2nd Annual Rocky Mountain Eating Disorders Conference
Marriott City Center, Denver, Colorado
The conference will focus on clinical advancements in the treatment of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and EDNOS, as well as innovative strategies for addressing the complexities of these disorders. Following is a brief sampling of sessions and speakers:
Key Ingredients for Creating a Center of Excellence: A Primer for Building a Successful Program
Kenneth L. Weiner, MD, CEDS
Escaping the Wilderness: Recovery from Anorexia
Emmett R. Bishop, Jr., MD, CEDS
Medical Complications of Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia
Philip Mehler, MD, FACP, CEDS
The Willing and Able: Understanding the Adolescent Brain in the Treatment of Eating Disorders
Ovidio Bermudez, MD, FAAP, FSAM, FAED, CEDS
New Models of Family Therapy in the Treatment of Eating Disorders
Craig Johnson, PhD, FAED, CEDS
The Mindful Therapist
Carolyn Costin, MA, Med, MFT, CEDS
To receive a brochure or to register for the 2nd Annual Rocky Mountain Eating Disorders Conference, visit www.EatingRecoveryCenter.com or contact Sarah Gilstrap, Marketing and Intake Coordinator, at (877) 218-1344 or (720) 258-4008 or email sgilstrap@EatingRecoveryCenter.com.

September 25, 2010
Eating Disorders: State of The Art Treatment
The Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt’s Annual Professional Symposium
This one-day intensive training program offers attendees a rare opportunity to hear from six of the nation's leading authorities on eating disorder treatment in a single day. Offering 7 CMEs/CEUs.
Featured Presenters: Kathryn Zerbe, M.D., Kelly Vitousek, Ph.D., Scott Crow, M.D., Daniel Le Grange, Ph.D., Marcia Herrin, Ed.D., MPH, RD, and James Lock, M.D., Ph.D.,
7:00am-5:00pm, continental breakfast and catered lunch included
Location: The Conference Center at Sheppard Pratt in Baltimore, Maryland
Now accepting registrations! Download the Program Schedule for complete event details including payment and registration information. You may also visit www.eatingdisorder.org for more information. Please contact (410) 938-4593 with any questions.

October 8-10, 2010
National Eating Disorders 2010 Conference: Building Bridges to Recovery
Marriott New York, at the Brookly Bridge
New York
information at: http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/programs-events/annual-neda-conference.php

October 21-23, 2010
Jubilee Congress on Eating Disorders
Austria
A celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Austrian Network Eating Disorders & 10th anniversary of the Austrian Society on Eating Disorders (ASED)
Information @ http://www.netzwerk-essstoerungen.at/kongress10/
E-mail: guenther.rathner@i-med.ac.at

November 12 -14, 2010
The Renfrew Center Foundation Celebrates its 20th Annual Conference for Professionals, Feminist Perspectives and Beyond: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future.
Philadelphia Airport Marriott, Philadelphia, PA
This is a 3-day seminar for behavioral health professionals and dietitians and offers 17 CEUs. For more information, please visit http://www.renfrew.org/news-events/events/20th.html or contact Debbie Lucker at 1-877-367-3383 or dlucker@renfrew.org.

March 30, 2011
BEDA National Conference (March 30-April 2)
Registration and details to come
www.bedaonline.com
Learn More About These Events


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The EATING DISORDER TREATMENT PROGRAM at SeaSide Palm Beach specializes in helping individuals who suffer from a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders, which is when an individual suffers simultaneously from both a psychiatric disorder (like an eating disorder) as well as a substance abuse problem (like alcohol abuse or drug abuse).

Most people are very surprised to learn that eating disorders have little to do with food. Especially when one considers that many people who suffer from eating disorders actually have an unhealthy obsession with food. In the majority of cases, eating disorders have more to do with a lack of emotional well-being resulting from their inability to identify and communicate their own needs and wants effectively to others.

To find out more please call us 24/7 toll-free at (888) 432-2467 today for help!
The EATING DISORDER TREATMENT PROGRAM at SeaSide Palm Beach


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La Bonne Maison
202 Lake Miriam Drive Suite E13
Lakeland, Florida 33813
800-824-8580
Email
www.mylabonnemaison.com

~Offering National & International Care~

Hi my name is Lisa Hatten. I opened La Bonne Maison after a twenty year battle with Bulimia and Binge eating disorder. I am living Proof that it is possible to recover and live a fullfilled life. HOPE is what i bring to my program. La Bonne Maison is a restorative living home for women suffering with Bulimia and Binge eating disorders set in sunny Florida. My program offers a 30-120 day intense program for women ages 18 and up. Please visit my website at www.mylabonnemaison.com.

View La Bonne Maison in the Eating Disorder Specialist Library at:

http://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/eating-disorder-specialist-la-bonne-maison.html

Visit La Bonne Maison


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Puente de Vida - "Bridge of Life"

A Place for Hope, Recovery and Healing from Eating Disorders
P.O. Box 86020, San Diego, CA
858-581-1239 or 877-995-4337
www.puentedevida.com
info@puentedevida.com

Puente de Vida treats Anorexia and Bulimia; males and females, adolescents (ages 15 and up) and adults who live locally, nationally and internationally. Offering individual therapy, nutritional counseling, family therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, support groups, inpatient, residential treatment center. Puente de Vida is a place where therapeutic services are offered to those ages 15 years and older with eating disorders, including those with co-occurring substance use and other disorders. A private six bed, home-like facility, located in beautiful San Diego, provides an excellent setting for the sensitive, inner work that takes place. Puente de Vida's treatment philosophy addresses not just the symptoms but also the underlying issues beneath the surface of eating disorders. An individualized treatment approach includes traditional treatment interventions as well as experiential treatment by our multidisciplinary treatment team. Puente de Vida recognizes that every recovery journey is different and complex and assists the individual in finding their unique path and support in recovery.

View Puente de Vida Programs in the Eating Disorder Specialist Library at: http://clixtrac.com/goto/?10330

Puente de Vida

Article: Anxiety as a Co-Occurring Disorder with Eating Disorders

Anxiety Disorders: What Parents Should Know
@ Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are not new! They have been around for many, many years. What distinguishes today from a hundred years ago is our level of understanding. An individual who suffered from an obsessive-compulsive disorder in decades past was probably considered crazy. Not today. Fortunately, not only do we possess understanding, but we can offer help to people with anxiety disorders.

Although it may seem difficult to imagine or believe, today anxiety disorders are the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric illnesses in young people. About 13% of all children and adolescents ages 9 to17 experience some kind of anxiety disorder. As with many psychiatric issues, the prevalence of anxiety is higher in girls than boys.

It is important for everyone, especially parents, to know what an anxiety disorder is and what it is not. If a girl is anxious about standing up in front of the class and giving a speech, or a teen gets a case of "butterflies" before a big exam, this is not a disorder. This is simply the basic nervousness we've all come to expect under certain situations. However, if a child is so anxious about interacting with her peers that she is unable to attend school, or she absolutely refuses to leave home or go to a shopping mall because it is too terrifying, this should be considered a red flag. In other words, it is a matter of degree. When anxiety graduates from a feeling of mild discomfort to complete irrational panic and when the fear is so great that the child begins avoiding people and situations and her functioning is impaired, something is definitely wrong.

Above all, it is critical for a parent to understand that anxiety disorders are very real. This is often difficult for parents to accept simply because anxiety disorders cannot be seen. A wound is immediately apparent; a broken bone shows up on an x-ray; diabetes is detected through blood and urine testing. But when a child or adolescent suffers from an anxiety disorder, we can only rely on her behaviors and her self-report as evidence of what she is experiencing internally. Extreme anxiety, and all of its accompanying manifestations-increased heart rate, sweating, hyperventilation, abdominal distress-is very real to the person who is suffering......

Finish Reading Article




Thank you to our Supporters for Sharing the Top Ten Tips for Eating Disorder Recovery with sufferers
Top 10 Tips for Eating Disorder Recovery

1. Work with an eating disorder specialist treatment team if possible, if not, seek out some of the many wonderful self help programs available to assist you in recovery.

2. Develop self acceptance through practicing compassion toward self.

3. Develop a positive and self nurturing internal dialogue.

4. Get treatment for co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and depression.

5. Practice mindfulness and living in the moment.

6. Listen to and honor your feelings.

7. Eat well and listen to your body's hunger and fullness signs.

8. Accept your genetic makeup and appreciate your body.

9. Have a relapse prevention or correction plan.

10. Develop faith and trust in God and let go of what you cannot control.

A heartfelt thank you to these friends of Eating Disorder Hope that are helping to spread the news of the Top Ten Tips for Eating Disorder Recovery. We hope many find inspiration and encouragement in these 10 ideas for building a healthy ed recovery plan!

Cheryl Kerrigan, Author and Speaker
Telling ED NO! and Other Practical Tools to Conquer Your Eating Disorder and Find Freedom
www.tellingedno.com
P.O. Box 687
Sudbury, MA 01776

NORMAL In Schools (NIS) is a national nonprofit arts-and-education organization that educates about the devastating impact of eating disorders, the therapeutic impact of the arts, and related issues such as body image, self esteem and family communication.
Robyn Hussa ~ President and Founder
www.normalinschools.org
917-771-4977
P.O. Box 20965
Milwaukee, WI 53220

St. Joseph's Villa
Harmony Place(part of St. Josephs Villa) is an adolescent eating disorders residential treatment program located in Rochester, NY
3300 Dewey Avenue
Rochester, NY 14616
(585) 865-1550, ext. 117
www.stjosephsvilla.org

***Please let us know if you have helped support our mission to spread hope and inspiration, by posting the link to the Top 10 Tips for Eating Disorder Recovery on your website, and we would like to publicly thank you, and announce your University, Treatment Center or Individual as a Supporter of Eating Disorder Hope, in our next newsletter!

Here is the link page format and text:

(text for link) Top 10 Tips for Eating Disorder Recovery

(link html) http://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/top-10-tips-for-eating-disorder-recovery.html
Get your free downloadable copy of the Top Ten Tips for Eating Disorder Recovery here

Research

I. My name is Kerri Coomber and I am completing a PhD in Psychology at Deakin University, Australia. I am looking at the experience of caring for someone recovering from an eating disorder. While we now know a lot about what this is like, we don’t know whether the person in recovery and the carer see the experience of recovery and caregiving similarly or whether their experience is different. I’d like to invite you to share your perspective...

II. Eating Disorder Psychotherapists Who Have a Personal History of an Eating Disorder: Exploring the Experience of Professional Ethics. For more information, please contact Meris Williams (doctoral candidate in Counselling Psychology at UBC) at 604-321-1904, meris.williams@gmail.com, or ed.therapist.study@gmail.com, or access the following website:
http://sites.google.com/site/edpsychotherapiststudy/

III. Looking Beyond the Surface Acceptance-based separated family treatment for adolescents with anorexia nervosa. This is a collaborative study between Duke University Medical Center and Towson University. For whom is this study appropriate? 1) Adolescents between 12-18 2) who are medically stable for outpatient treatment 3) and who have symptoms of anorexia nervosa What can I expect? This study involves 20 sessions. In sessions 1-16 adolescents and parents are seen seperately; and in sessions 17-20 the family meets together. As this is a new treatment, participants will be asked to complete a number of questionnaires on the computer, provide feedback about the treatment, and participate in focus groups. Please call Lisa K. Honeycutt at 919-684-0353 or email her at edresearch@duke.edu.

IV. Research Study using MRI to examine Bulimia Nervosa in adolescent girls
Would you like to participate in a research study?
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE: *12-21 yrs old *Females *All ethnicities
WHERE: The study will take place at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive in Manhattan.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN: Participation in our study will include a visit that will require 5-6 hours of your time and include interviews, games and puzzles, and an MRI. The total compensation will be $100 per person. For more information please call the Eating Disorders Clinic at (212) 543-5316 and mention the BN MRI study.
Contact: Rachel Marsh, Ph.D. @ (212) 543-5316 or
Email: marshr@childpsych.columbia.edu or lb2518@columbia.edu

More Research Information



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Eating Disorder Jobs
EatingDisorderJobs.com – Looking for a job? We have everything dedicated to careers in the field of eating disorders. Find current job openings, career opportunities, continuing education, advice from the experts… everything eating disorders all in one site. For recent grads, seasoned professionals and students. Our mission: to connect job seekers with employers, to keep current professionals enthusiastic about the field and what it has to offer, and to guide students into careers where they can make a difference.
Visit Eating Disorder Jobs website


Thank you for being a friend of Eating Disorder Hope. We will continue to provide you with important information, resources and encouragement regarding eating disorder recovery in our newsletters.

Sincerely,

--Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC
Director @ Eating Disorder Hope

www.EatingDisorderHope.com

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

Need Help Paying for Treatment? Insurance Battles?


Medical care is expensive and eating disorder treatment is no exception. Because eating disorders rarely resolve on their own, treatment is usually recommended. Most people start with outpatient therapy, which often proves highly effective. If not, inpatient treatment is always an option.

Check out the Eating Disorder Hope resources for Dealing with Insurance Companies and Paying for Treatment. You don't have to do this alone, there is help out there!

Tuesday, June 08, 2010

Help the Eating Disorder Coalition's Letter Writing Campaign

(forwarded in support of the Eating Disorder Coalition's work)

Needed: 1000 Constituents to Write Congress – Please Forward

Dr. Jeanine Cogan, Policy Director for the Eating Disorders Coalition, writes:

34D4A162-D0EF-4A3F-B38F-801869D21722@cable.rcnInspired by the great success of our 2010 lobby day this Spring, we launched a Letter Writing Campaign with the ambitious goal of having 1,000 constituents write their Members of Congress. The goal is simple: get your Representative and Senators to be a cosponsor of the Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders bill, aka the FREED Act.

In order to reach that goal, we need your help! Here are a few simple steps:

  1. Write a letter to your Representative and Senators. It’s easy—just go to http://www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org/Letterwritingcampaign2010.htm
  2. Tweet it: “Help us eliminate eating disorders by helping to pass the FREED Act! It’s simple; go to: http://ow.ly/1VKWQ” (107 characters)
  3. Post this as your Facebook status: “Help us eliminate eating disorders by helping to pass the FREED Act! It’s simple; go to: http://www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org/Letterwritingcampaign2010.htm
  4. Encourage your Facebook friends to "share" your status!
  5. Post the message on walls of appropriate Facebook groups/fan pages!
  6. Send the link http://www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org/Letterwritingcampaign2010.htm with a personal note to all your friends and colleagues in your email address book
  7. Ask those friends and colleagues to help spread the word
  8. Send the link http://www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org/Letterwritingcampaign2010.htm to advocacy groups, lists, etc.
  9. Blog about our Letter Writing Campaign

Thank you for your support and dedication to helping us pass the FREED Act. Together we can make this happen—and save lives!

Jeanine Cogan, Ph.D.

Policy Director

Eating Disorders Coalition

202-352-3208